Pigtail-assisted percutaneous retrieval of embolized central venous catheters in pediatric patients: insights from a case series

Background: Intravascular fracture and embolization of central venous catheters are rare but potentially life-threatening complications in pediatric patients. Prompt and effective management is essential to prevent adverse outcomes. Methods: We report three pediatric cases managed using percutaneous endovascular retrieval. Two oncology patients experienced Port-a-Cath fractures with migration to the right heart and pulmonary artery. One neonate had an umbilical venous catheter fragment extending into the right atrium. In one challenging case, a pigtail catheter was used to reposition the fragment into the inferior vena cava before snare retrieval. Results: All fragments were successfully removed via femoral or umbilical venous access without complications. Procedure times averaged 20–30 minutes per case. Conclusions: Percutaneous retrieval is a safe and effective first-line strategy for embolized catheter fragments in pediatric patients, including neonates. Adjunctive techniques, such as pigtail-assisted repositioning, improve procedural success in complex cases and enhance patient safety.